Jetman to be at AirVenture

Yves “Jetman” Rossy, the world’s first jet-powered man, will make his first public U.S. flights this summer at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh July 29-Aug. 4.

The U.S. flights are supported by Jetman’s sponsor, the Swiss watch manufacturer Breitling. Along with the appearance at Oshkosh, Jetman will fly in the U.S. at the Reno Air Races in September.

“We have eagerly followed and supported Jetman’s progress and success for several years,” said Jim DiMatteo, EAA’s vice president of AirVenture features and attractions.

The American tour follows Jetman’s flight over the Grand Canyon in 2011 and numerous demonstrations in Europe. EAA assisted Rossy with the paperwork to make the U.S. flights possible.

“I am excited to share my project with fellow enthusiasts and be a part of aviation’s biggest gathering in the world,” Rossy said from his home in Switzerland. “EAA helped me secure the experimental exhibition special airworthiness certificate for my jetwing. It will be a privilege to attend Oshkosh and demonstrate how experimental projects can push forward the boundaries of flight.”

Using a carbon-Kevlar jetwing with four engines, each of which capable of a 22-kilogram thrust, the Swiss aviator is able to propel himself through the sky at upward of 150 mph, controlled by a simple throttle in his hand. The rest of the controls are left to the human fuselage — Rossy himself — who uses his shoulders, body, and legs to steer, pitch, and descend.

This forward-thinking technology has allowed Rossy to achieve many outstanding feats since 2008, including soaring above Rio de Janeiro, completing aerobatics from the Breitling Orbiter balloon, crossing the English Channel and flying in formation with various Breitling jets, warbirds and passenger aircraft.